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The series of islands that run along the Georgia coastline from Tybee down to Cumberland Islands offers visitors historical mansions, lighthouses and a vast network of freshwater lakes, marshlands and protected National Seashore to explore along the way. St. Simons and Jekyll Island remain popular as resort destinations.

The Cloister at Sea Island

Rated five stars by Forbes in 2010, The Cloister offers luxury accommodations along the Georgia coast, including exclusive access to a five-mile stretch of private beach, a full-service spa, multiple swimming pools and several dining option. This resort also ranked No. 6 on "Travel and Leisure" magazine’s list of the Top 50 U.S. resorts in 2009. Several styles of guestrooms and suites are available with views of the nearby Black Banks River, the Cloister gardens or the ocean. Large soaking tubs come standard in all rooms, and select suites include fireplaces, a library, multi-bedroom layouts or even a private pool. Both an award-winning fine-dining restaurant and a more casual oceanside eatery are on the grounds, as well as an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and a seasonal poolside snack bar. The Cloister at Sea Island 100 Salt Marsh Lane St. St. Simons Island, GA 31522 888-732-4752 seaisland.com

Jekyll Island Club Hotel

First opened as an exclusive club in 1888, the Jekyll Island Club Hotel’s registry notes such captains of industry like Rockefeller, Astor, Macy and Goodyear. In fact, it was from this location the first transcontinental phone call was placed in 1915. Today this is a four-star resort with a private beachfront, coastal forest, carriage rides and 63 holes of championship golf among other recreational opportunities. Single rooms up to presidential suites are available at the resort, some include Jacuzzi tubs and all are equipped with wireless Internet access. The hotel features a fitness center and three dining facilities, including a seasonal poolside bar and grill. The Grand Dining Room offers full-service dining and elegant brunch services every Sunday. A more casual restaurant and a bakery-delicatessen are also on-site. Jekyll Island Club Hotel 371 Riverview Drive Jekyll Island, GA 31527 800-535-9547 jekyllclub.com

Beachview Club - Jekyll Island

The Beachview on Jekyll Island houses less than 40 rooms, with views of either the landscaped courtyard or the seashore. The hotel offers efficiency rooms along with king, executive and luxury suites. Select accommodations have a private patio or balcony, full-service kitchen, fireplace and soaking tubs. Hotel amenities include a swimming pool, hot tub and walking paths to the beach. This hotel is nearby several recreational opportunities including horseriding, tennis and championship golf. It is also nearby the historic district for boutique shopping and entertainment. Beachview Club 721 N. Beachview Drive Jekyll Island, GA 31527 912-635-2256 Beachviewclub.com

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About the Author

Nikki Jardin began freelance writing in 2009 and focuses on food and travel articles. She has been a professional cook and caterer for more than 20 years. She holds a degree in environmental science from Humboldt State University.